Understanding Burnout: A Relational Issue - A Conversation with Michael Leiter, PhD

Michael Leiter, PhD is professor emeritus of psychology at Acadia University and co-author of The Burnout Challenge: Managing People’s Relationships with Their Jobs.

In this conversation, Dr. Leiter explains that burnout is more of a relational issue between individuals and their workplaces, rather than a personal problem. He defines burnout as a three-part syndrome: exhaustion, cynicism, and a loss of confidence.

The conversation explores how organizations can address burnout and create a healthier work environment. It discusses the catalysts for change, such as leadership recognizing the problem and seeking help.  Some key take-a-ways:

• Addressing burnout requires improving the connection between individuals and their workplaces.

• Conducting surveys can provide valuable information about the level of burnout within an organization and help identify areas of distress.

• Setting boundaries and managing work-life balance are important for preventing burnout.

• Aligning expectations and being aware of core psychological needs can help mitigate burnout.

• Individuals experiencing burnout can benefit from self-reflection and open communication with managers.

Check out "The Burnout Challenge", written by Michael P. Leiter and Christina Maslach, here.